Hello neighbor, Jackson Heights got some well-deserved love online this week in this Reddit thread. People raved about the Roosevelt Ave station being the best transfer point in Queens (five subway lines plus buses to everywhere), and no surprise, many mentioned the food… everything from samosas to arepas to dumplings within a few blocks. And more than a few people agreed the real winner is the mix of people who call this place home: the diversity of people and cultures sharing the same streets is unparalleled. That spirit shows up in our events too, so let’s take a look at what’s on the calendar for the days ahead. This Week in Jackson HeightsSeptember 2-8, 2025 (Looking for more? This is just a short list. See the full calendar at jacksonheightsinsider.com/events) Heads-up: times and places can change, so make sure you confirm event details with the organizers before you go. Featured Event☕ Jackson Heights in a Cup | Sat 11 AM–2 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Latin America meets South Asia, with Kaapi coffee, Desi agua frescas, music and dance. RSVP encouraged → RSVP here Tuesday, September 2Juan Sebastián Monsalve Trio / Colombian Contemporary Jazz | 8 PM | Terraza 7 • Deep grooves, daring jazz • $20 → More info Wednesday, September 3Jackson Heights Game Gathering! | 2 PM | Queens Library (81st St) • Free board games, no RSVP needed → Just show up Thursday, September 4Zumba Class | 11 AM | EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care • Dance your way fit, all ages welcome → Join free Friday, September 5Collage Workshop | 3 PM | Queens Library (81st St) • Cut, paste, create, all ages welcome → Drop in The Repressions at Espresso 77 | 8 PM | Espresso 77 • Indie-folk-punk vibes with coffee or wine → Catch the show Saturday, September 6Toastmasters International: America’s Best | 10 AM | Elmhurst Hospital & Zoom • Sharpen your public speaking → Contact to join Block Party (National Suicide Prevention Week) | 10 AM–3 PM | Elmhurst Hospital, 41st Ave & 80th St • Face painting, tie dye, live music → Come by Jackson Heights in a Cup | 11 AM–2 PM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Fusion drinks, music, and dance, RSVP encouraged → RSVP here Trees Count 2025 | 1:30 PM | Travers Park • Learn tree ID, count trees, tote bag included • RSVP → Volunteer Sunday, September 7Jackson Heights Greenmarket | 8 AM–3 PM | 34th Ave & 79th St • Fresh produce, bread, meats, and demos → Shop local From Black Rio to Brazilcore | 11 AM | The World’s Borough Bookshop • Free talk on baile funk → No RSVP Monday, September 8Queens Distance Runners: Community Run | 6 PM | Meet at The Queensboro • Friendly 5K through 34th Ave, photo at the mural → Run with QDR More to do in QueensIn partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live - another local events newsletter worth having in your inbox - sign up here. Flavor 101 - Coffee Edition | Sunday September 7th 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Joe Coffee Company, LIC • Sip, swirl, and decode flavor notes • $ (discount for first 10 signups) → Sign up 💡 Quick TipFranki gives 5% cash back at tons of local restaurants and cafes just for paying with your linked credit card. You can also earn up to $15 just for uploading a 10 second video review. Plus you get a bonus 10% back for your first month + a $2 bonus on sign-up with this referral link. High-Fives & Local LoveShout-out to the local brands keeping this newsletter going: Want to help this newsletter? → Join our supporters here (or reply to this email for brand placement) And if this email made your life easier, hit “forward” and invite your friends to stay in the loop. They can sign up at JacksonHeightsInsider.com/subscribe Until next week, may your momo be steaming hot, your Roosevelt Avenue walk be full of discoveries, and your community connections grow stronger every day. Jonathan (JBS) |
A weekly roundup of the best events, markets, and happenings in and around Jackson Heights. Perfect for neighbors who want to stay in the loop and support local life.
Hola vecina/o! Last week I was talking about the importance of “third spaces” - those cozy spots where you’re not at work, not at home, but somehow feel completely yourself. I think it’s fair to say that Espresso 77 nails it. Dating back to 2010, Afzal and Julie turned an architect’s dream into the kind of café that feels like the neighborhood’s living room. You’ll find artists chatting with parents, musicians tuning up for the evening, and half the block comparing notes over a honey mint...
Hey neighbor! My friend Tony Bacigalupo once wrote about the best gathering spots in his town of Norwalk, and it got me thinking about what that looks like here in Jackson Heights. Apart from the obvious ones like Espresso 77, The Queensboro, Travers Park, Jax Inn Diner, EJ’s barbershop and Nancy Blakes, here are some of my personal favorites: There's World Borough Bookshop where owner Adrian (AKA Bookpapi on TikTok) hosts author talks, art events, and meetups that often come alive on Open...
Hey neighbor, Usually I like to start this newsletter with good vibes, little wins, and neighborhood cheer. This week, though, it’s impossible to ignore something heavier. If you’ve ever eaten at The Queensboro, you probably know Dino - he’s been there since the early days, always smiling and welcoming everyone. Sadly, he was recently taken by ICE, deported and separated from his wife and three children here in Jackson Heights. The response has been both heartwarming and overwhelming: In just...